What state deserves an NCAA regional more than Indiana, a state that really appreciates its basketball.

This weekend could be a dream weekend for basketball fans. Spectacular match ups include: Louisville vs. Arizona and Michigan State vs. Kansas. And, if the seeds hold, we could see a Louisville vs. MSU showdown. Come on, you know that’s basketball at its best! But first things first, it all begins on Friday.

When I saw the draw come out on Selection Sunday I thought this might happen, but to see it become reality is great for the city.  There’s no doubt, having Louisville here is a big bonus because the Cards love to travel.  That means good news for restaurants and hotels — and we all know every city can use a financial boost.

You know the basketball is going to be good, but have you thought about the guys calling the plays? There will be three future Hall of Fame coaches working the sidelines on Friday in Pinto, Self, and Izzo — great players, great coaches.

I can’t wait to watch the Madness begin on Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium.

It is so nice to see great things happen to good people…and that’s the case for one individual involved in this year’s NCAA tournament.  Former Pacer and now CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst Clark Kellogg was given a tremendous opportunity last summer when he replaced Billy Packer as its lead analyst for college basketball. Kellogg will team up tomorrow afternoon with Jim Nantz to call the Butler game. This is the “A” team for CBS, which means Kellogg will also work the Final Four with Nantz.

I can’t think of anyone else who deserves this more. Clark is such a man with so much talent and class…and it makes me feel so good seeing him being rewarded for all of his hard work.  What a road for CK…from doing Pacers game with Jerry Baker, to ESPN, and finally CBS. But not only is Clark one of the best at what he does, he is just a great human being. He has such the heart for people and continues to give back to OUR community. (and he doesn’t even live here)

If you ask anyone who has spent some time with Clark, they will tell you he is such a humble man. I think CBS deserves credit for making such a great decision by rewarding Clark with such a tremendous opportunity. I can’t wait to listen to him call the biggest game in college basketball!

Congrats Clark…you deserve it ALL!

The Big Ten Tournament tips off on Thursday and this could be a great opportunity for the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue has struggled of late, losing two in a row. A couple of weeks ago the Boilers were in great position to have a number four seed in the NCAA Tournament. But if they don’t Boiler Up…they could be in jeopardy of getting a fifth seed at best. Most of the pre-NCAA Tournament brackets have the Boilers anywhere on the five or six line (seeds).

This week could be the boost that Purdue needs right now. There’s no doubt Purdue can win big games…just ask Michigan State and Boston College. On Friday night they will play the winner of the IU-Penn State game…most likely Penn State. The Boilers split with Penn State this year with both teams winning at home. Then, it’s either Illinois, Michigan, or Iowa in the semifinals. You look at this situation and Purdue has the talent to beat all those teams. 

If Purdue can get to the finals, I believe they could earn a four seed in the Big Dance and a BIG TEN title could have them in the three seed conversation. If Purdue can pick up a top four seed….they most likely will play their first round game just down the road in Dayton. But first things first…the Boilers need to Boiler Up!

What a great opportunity for the city of Indianapolis to host the Women’s and Men’s Big Ten Tournaments. The economy is so bad right now, what better time to host an event that will be a financial boost to the city over the next week. The Big Ten Tournaments reportedly bring in $10 million to the city… and that number feels like $20 million during the recession we are experiencing now.

I am sure the downtown hotels and restaurants are thankful for the tournaments being in town. But the news just got even better. The Regionals of the Men’s NCAA Tournament will be here later this month which will bring in more money to the city. One team that could help in the cause is Louisville. The Cards are on par for a 1 or 2 seed which could land them in Indy. If that’s the case… that’s means MONEY for the city… the reason: U of L fans loves to TRAVEL! Stay Tune!

Congrats Coach O’Brien for stepping outside the box and winning the game for the Pacers against the on Wednesday night. One of the biggest stars in the NBA, James gets a call to go his way (still can’t believe it) with less than two seconds left to play. James makes both free throws to tie the game. 

Everybody in the building, and watching on TV, thought the Pacers-Cavs were going to overtime since there was only .8 seconds left in the game. No way the refs will call that foul again. But Jim O’Brien challenged the refs. Would the NBA star get the call again, or would the officials stay consistent?

As you know, the officials were consistent and called a foul on James. Danny Granger hit the game winning free throw.

Credit goes to O’Brien for having the guts to draw up the same, identical play the Cavs used to tie the game, and for daring the officials NOT to call a foul. Nice challenge coach…you win!

Tonight I did something that I thought I wouldn’t have to do when we kicked off my football challenge (AC’s Football Challenge) at WISHTV.com back in September.

At the beginning of the NFL season I challenged Meteorologist Angela Buchman to a bet: Whoever wins my challenge between the two of us, the loser has to pay for dinner of the winner’s choice.

So tonight, Angela got her pick since she BARELY beat me (I still can’t believe I got beat by the weather lady…ha ha ha). She continues to remind me and EVERYONE here at the station about her big win over and over and over. If you listen closely you can still hear her talking about beating me.

Angela picked her favorite place for dinner, Harry and Izzy’s. By the way, thank you Jeff Smith (partner at Harry and Izzy’s) for getting us in.

Yes, Angela did win the bet. But here are three reasons why:

1. She got off to a quick start by making ridiculous picks. Case in point: Picking Miami to win AT New England — COME ON, who in their right mind is picking MIAMI in week 3 in NEW ENGLAND.

2. I forgot on many occasions to submit my picks because I was so busy focusing on all the Colts shows we do here on your home of the Colts…so I loss a lot of points for not submitting my picks.

3. I let her WIN. Yeah, I said it!

But seriously, it was fun going head-to-head against Angela. And she did make some awesome picks. I thought I would never say this but, Angela, you do know your sports.

Congrats my friend. But I want a rematch next year! (I can still hear her talking in the newsroom….”I beat AC.”

We just got word tonight that Pacers forward Danny Granger was selected to be a part of the Eastern Conference All Star team. There is no doubt that Danny is deserving of this honor. He has done nothing but carry the Pacers every night! Granger is tied for fourth in the NBA in scoring at 25.8 points per game and is averaging career highs of 5.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game…those stats alone give you access to be a part of the All Star team.

This is Granger’s first appearance in the All Star game…one I’m sure he will never forget. Danny: Congrats…job well done!

What an awesome site it was for me after the NFC Championship game, watching former Colts running back Edgerrin James celebrate. Edge and the Cardinals were heading to Super Bowl 43. Edge was one of my favorite players to cover during his time here in Indy. He was always professional, played hard and gave back to the community — and ALWAYS a GREAT sound bite (aka…interview).

When the Colts went to the Super Bowl in 2007, one guy I really thought about was Edgerrin. How was he feeling? How tough was it for him to deal with seeing a team he helped build go to the big game and eventually win it? He probably will never admit it…but you know it must have been tough for him.

But what a difference two years can make. And that’s what I love about life. Who would have thought that two years later the Edge would have the own opportunity to win his own ring?

Yes, Mr. Irsay, as classy as he is, did give Edge a ring from Super Bowl 43. But there’s nothing like having one that you were a part of that day.

I am sure I am not a long on this. Good luck Edgerrin, your ring could be just days away!

Yes, this is Indiana…and you know what that means: Basketball. How about IU, Purdue and Notre Dame’s Womens basketball teams this year? All three are playing great ball and could make a run in the NCAA Tournament.

IU and Purdue are both at the top in the Big Ten standings…while Notre Dame continues to battle with UCONN in the BigEast. Indy is the home of the Women’s Big Ten Tournament. And with the success of IU and Purdue this year, you know the local organizers have to be hoping these two could play in the finals. But the Hoosiers, Boilers, and Irish will tell you…there’s still plenty of ball to be played.

However, if these three teams continue to play at a high level…March could be something special here in the HOOSIER STATE!

Congratulations to Peyton Manning on winning his 3rd MVP award. When I asked Peyton how rewarding was it to win this award after going through two knee surgeries, no action in the preseason, and a horrible start to the season, Peyton responded with a couple of key words… it’s a team award.

This may be his third MVP award, but he knows he is fortunate to have great personnel around him. That’s why he was so quick to give thanks to Mr. Irsay, Tony Dungy, and Bill Polian after receiving this award on Friday. I was asked by my colleague Scott Sander where I would have ranked this year’s MVP award compared to Peyton’s other two?

I told him… I think this might have to rank at the top… knowing what Peyton went through this season, and to have the Colts on a 9 game winning streak is simply amazing. However I told Scott… if you asked Peyton if he would rather have the MVP award or another Super Bowl ring? There’s no doubt it would be the latter.